Questioning How "Severe" Is Tinnitus for Those Habituated

So I started to read threads in this board and in success stories. I realized that in "support" those people with severe tinnitus are unable to habituate to its presence, while in success stories people with severe tinnitus not only they are habituated, but they live great too.

I don't know if mine is severe or not, no ent gave me proper diagnosis for that, but I could imagine how it would be if it was really loud.

What made me think more is this: there are people who do not believe that those who are habituated don't really have severe tinnitus... and I think that too.

I consider unlikely, if not impossible, to get used to a really loud tone. I hope I'm wrong, but I got this impression by reading this forum.

Please don't blame me if you are someone who really is habituated with severe tinnitus; I'm trying to understand if is really possible to achieve that goal or it depends by our psychic resilience

 

What is your definition of habituation?

 

HI @Huradozih

You have written an interesting post. I have had tinnitus for 22 years and habituated twice. The first time took 2 years and the second 4 years. People have often asked me about habituation and how does one achieve it and what it actually means. I have written posts about it which can be accessed by clicking on the links below. For now I will say this. Most people can habituate to tinnitus even when it is severe. However, it does have its limitations. For example: I have variable tinnitus which can be completely silent, mild, moderate, severe and extremely severe. When my tinnitus reaches severe levels and above, and this level is sustained it becomes very difficult to tolerate and I have to take clonazepam, which often reduces its intensity over a few hours to more manageable levels and often to complete silence. When my tinnitus is mild, moderate or occasionally severe I can live with it quite comfortably. I use white noise generators when necessary keeping the volume level below the tinnitus, and finding them helpful with managing the condition.

All the best
Michael

https://www.tinnitustalk.com/threads/the-habituation-process.20767/

https://www.tinnitustalk.com/threads/what-happens-after-habituation.17685/

https://www.tinnitustalk.com/threads/is-habituation-possible.12758/

 

Problem is, that human beings are simply not wired to tolerate foreign sounds inside their head..it goes against nature.
People can get used to almost any amount of physical pain and torture, but having peace and quiet inside your head is pretty much essential to long term survival and happyness.
There are exceptions to this of course and some people do get used to it to some degree, but having unwanted sounds inside your head is simply unacceptable.

 

Let me tell you I had this since September and life is crap. I thought it was bad when I had Mild T, but now that I have Severe Hyperacusis and Tinnitus things are on another level. 80% of my life has been ruined permanently. I am unable to concentrate, focus, sleep, get work done, etc. Tinnitus will destroy you bit by bit and unless we have a cure/treatment I dont see my old life coming back. I am a completely different person with Tinnitus. I am more anxious, stressed out, frustrated, depressed, etc.

 

When you habituate then you will understand how insignificant tinnitus can be. It only becomes a problem when it is severe and this level of severity is sustained. Tinnitus is a common condition that affects millions of people throughout the world. The majority are able to live a full and enjoyable life doing everything that they want to.

Michael

 

Yes this is probably true for mild to moderate tinnitus sufferers...most will probably be able to pick up the pieces and live a somewhat normal life (assuming they don't get a spike and end up debilitated by the new sound)
But as you said yourself...in the severe cases, this becomes a big problem.
Again...humans are simply not wired for this crap.

I'm able to go about my business once again as it seems to be on it's way out, but many on this forum are not as lucky.
I completely understand the members, whom are on the other side of this argument.
This POS condition has taken away everything they worked for and enjoyed, destroyed their relationships and social life, made them addicted to benzos and antidepressants, took away their ability to sleep, relax and focus.
They are in permanent state of anxiety and panic...
Basically a 24/7 survival mode and I do believe that most of them are likely praying for quick death, since this brutal, inhumane torture is mostly known to be of the permanent kind.
I'm glad that habituation has worked for you, but we need to push for an actual cure for this evil, satanic condition.

 

My point was to convey to you that tinnitus is a common condition, that many people habituate to and are able to carry on with their life doing everything that they want to do. I know how debilitating tinnitus can be please believe me. When you have time please read my post: My experience with tinnitus in the link below: https://www.tinnitustalk.com/threads/my-experience-with-tinnitus.12076/

I counsel people with this condition. You are new to tinnitus having acquired it in Jan 2018? I advise you to be careful of negative thinking and to keep a wide berth from people in this forum with this mindset, as it and they can prevent you from moving on with your life. Please click on the links below. Some people that have severe tinnitus or say they do, also have additional problems in their life. Forums and other social media platforms are perfect places for them to vent their frustrations to the world. Try not to follow in their footsteps because it often leads to misery and despair.

I wish you well
Michael


https://www.tinnitustalk.com/threads/new-to-tinnitus-what-to-do.12558/

https://www.tinnitustalk.com/threads/tinnitus-a-personal-view.18668/

https://www.tinnitustalk.com/threads/hyperacusis-as-i-see-it.19174/

https://www.tinnitustalk.com/threads/is-positivity-important.23150/

https://www.tinnitustalk.com/threads/tinnitus-and-the-negative-mindset.23705/

https://www.tinnitustalk.com/threads/acquiring-a-positive-mindset.23969/

https://www.tinnitustalk.com/threads/inspiration.22894/

https://www.tinnitustalk.com/threads/can-tinnitus-counselling-help.22366/

https://www.tinnitustalk.com/threads/the-habituation-process.20767/

https://www.tinnitustalk.com/threads/a-change-of-lifestyle.20643/

https://www.tinnitustalk.com/threads/tinnitus-and-negative-counselling.26669/

https://www.tinnitustalk.com/threads/the-complexities-of-tinnitus-and-hyperacusis.25733/

 

With respect, I believe you are trying to be clever and using long winded sentences in your writing to support your negative way of thinking about tinnitus and life. There is no way I, or anyone else can convince you otherwise so I wish you well.

Michael

 

I find it surprising that you council people with tinnitus, Michael. I've only ever found your posts kind of condescending. They always link to other posts with hundreds of comments that just leave anxious tinnitus sufferers even more frustrated.

As far a habituating, I feel that I have more or less. Once I found out that there wasn't much that could be done for bilateral, hearing loss related tinnitus, I kind of just accepted that. Don't get me wrong, there are days that I want to cry knowing that I will never hear complete silence again, but I would say 98% of my days, tinnitus is just there and we co-exist together. I protect what hearing I have left without going to extreme measures. I started looking at American sign language courses in the event that I require it one day (I'm only 28 and already losing my hearing, there is definitely a possibility that I will lose enough to warrant ASL). This will sound corny as hell and will likely make you just roll your eyes, but you will not habituate if you don't believe that you can.

As far as gaging the severity of your tinnitus, there is a reason that your audiologist or ENT can't or won't do that. Tinnitus is mostly one's own perception. What is mild for me could be severe for others. It doesn't really get you anywhere to rate your scale either. What do you really gain besides more anxiety?

 

You are entitled to your opinion but I assure you, that I do counsel people with tinnitus and a few in this forum have contacted me by telephone. I could say a lot about your posts but will restrain myself on this occasion.

Michael

 

It is both. It is possible for some yes but I am of the belief that is does take a lot of mental strength and resilience (and perhaps a lot of help along the way) to achieve habituation. But keep in mind that habituation is different for everyone. Some people say that habituation is achieving the state of mind and lifestyle one had before tinnitus. Some say that merely getting through each day without focusing on their tinnitus is habituation. It's different for everyone.

But I don't want to glamorize living with tinnitus for those of us who have it severe and I don't want to put this idea of perfect habituation up on a pedestal. I consider myself somewhat habituated. I can get through most of my days without panic or crying. But there are days where I just get so sad inside and I do have little breakdowns in between. I do still spend a great deal of time missing my former life because, let's face it, I cannot go back to how I was before I got tinnitus. I don't think I ever will, even with a cure.

So I will say this. It's okay if you aren't perfectly habituated. It's okay to cry and grieve for the lifestyle and even the former you that you have lost to tinnitus. It is okay if you are not mentally or psychologically "strong". If anyone tells you to just suck it up and deal with it then I say shame on them. Being sad and not achieving some kind of perfect habituation does not mean that you are a failure or that you're a bad person.

The truth of the matter is, we are living with a chronic condition (or illness if you want to call it that). Our suffering is just as valid as someone who suffers from fibromyalgia, or EDS, or any other chronic condition that cannot be cured or treated effectively. So, yes, you may have lost your former lifestyle and you may not ever be the person you were again. If you get close to living as you were then I applaud you and cheer you on! If you don't then I grieve with you and I extend my compassion to you. But never beat yourself up for it. Tinnitus beats us up enough without us joining in with it.

 

Seriously guys. Let’s start our own community